August 2026 Edition
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August 2026 Current Affairs MCQs & Solutions
Top national & international current affairs questions for CSS, PMS, FPSC, PPSC, and NTS screening tests.
#5721
Who led the IMF mission that held discussions with Pakistani authorities in March 2026?
(a) Nathan Porter
(b) Iva Petrova
(c) Kristalina Georgieva
(d) None of these
Explanation: Iva Petrova headed the IMF mission that conducted the review discussions with Pakistan in early 2026. Nathan Porter is a former mission chief, and Kristalina Georgieva is the Managing Director of the IMF. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]
#5722
On March 11, 2026, the government announced plans to table legislation for SOE governance to meet structural benchmarks set by which international organization?
(a) World Bank
(b) International Monetary Fund
(c) Asian Development Bank
(d) None of these
Explanation: The government is finalizing legislation to meet structural benchmarks required for the successful conclusion of the IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) reviews. The World Bank and ADB are development partners, but the specific structural benchmark compliance mentioned is tied to the IMF. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980722/govt-to-table-soe-bills-for-imf-compliance, 11 Mar 2026]
#5723
In the context of the 2026 Middle East conflict, which flight tracking service reported that planes arriving in Dubai were placed in a holding pattern due to a potential missile attack?
(a) FlightAware
(b) SkyScanner
(c) Aviation Safety Network
(d) Flightradar24
Explanation: Flightradar24 reported the airspace chaos in the Middle East, noting that planes were held in a pattern near Dubai as a precautionary measure against potential missile activity. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1980748/airlines-raise-ticket-prices-as-middle-east-conflict-drives-up-fuel-costs, 11 Mar 2026]
#5724
Consider the following statements about Pakistan's diplomatic stance on July 22, 2026: 1. Pakistan condemned the Houthi militia for threats against Saudi Arabia. 2. The Foreign Office emphasized that such threats undermine the freedom of navigation. 3. Pakistan explicitly declared an immediate military intervention in the Red Sea. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are factually correct based on the Foreign Office statement. Statement 3 is incorrect because Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and diplomacy, and while it reserved the right to self-defense, it did not declare an immediate military intervention. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431293/pakistan-condemns-houthi-threats-against-saudi-arabia-red-sea-shipping, 22 Jul 2026]
#5725
What is the percentage rate of the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 granted to federal civil employees effective from July 1, 2026?
(a) 5 percent
(b) 7 percent
(c) 10 percent
(d) 15 percent
Explanation: The government notification issued on July 22, 2026, explicitly states that a 7 percent Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 was granted to federal civil employees. This allowance is calculated based on the running basic pay under the new BPS-2026 structure. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#5726
Who is the current US Treasury Secretary who met with Pakistan's Finance Minister in July 2026?
(a) Janet Yellen
(b) Timothy Geithner
(c) Steven Mnuchin
(d) Scott Bessent
Explanation: Scott Bessent is the US Treasury Secretary who held discussions with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb regarding Pakistan's economic reforms. Janet Yellen is a former Treasury Secretary, making her an incorrect choice. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#5727
Consider the following statements about the Prime Minister’s Office System (PMOS): 1. It was launched on July 22, 2026. 2. It is designed to manage the lifecycle of directives from issuance to post-implementation review. 3. It is mandatory for all federal ministries and divisions to adopt the system. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: All three statements are factually accurate based on the launch details provided. The system was launched on the specified date, covers the full lifecycle of directives, and is a mandatory requirement for federal entities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431190/ai-powered-monitoring-system-pm-launches-pmos-to-manage-complete-lifecycle-of-directives, 22 Jul 2026]
#5728
According to the Prime Minister's address on July 22, 2026, which sector was specifically highlighted as a beneficiary of the robotics and autonomous systems revolution for inclusive growth?
(a) Large-scale manufacturing
(b) Agricultural sector
(c) Financial banking sector
(d) None of these
Explanation: The Prime Minister emphasized that robotics and autonomous systems should improve the lives of farmers and small businesses, explicitly highlighting the agricultural sector as a key beneficiary for inclusive growth. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#5729
Which of the following is NOT a category of Iranian military targets struck by the United States as of July 23, 2026?
(a) Coastal surveillance sites
(b) Missile and drone storage facilities
(c) Air defense assets
(d) Commercial oil refineries
Explanation: The United States Central Command specified that strikes targeted military capabilities, including air defense, surveillance, and storage facilities. Commercial oil refineries were not listed as targets in the official military report. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]
#5730
Which of the following statements regarding the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 is INCORRECT?
(a) It is subject to income tax.
(b) It is admissible during leave and suspension.
(c) It is applicable to contract employees appointed against civil posts.
(d) It counts towards pension and gratuity calculations.
Explanation: The notification explicitly states that the new allowance will not count towards pension, gratuity, or house rent calculations. Therefore, the statement claiming it counts towards these benefits is incorrect. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#5731
Consider the following statements about the BPS-2026 notification: 1. The new pay scales apply to federal civil employees paid from both civil and defence estimates. 2. Employees posted abroad are eligible to receive the Ad hoc Relief Allowance-2026 during their foreign tenure. 3. The 2022 and 2025 ad hoc relief allowances were abolished upon the implementation of the new scales. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as the notification covers both civil and defence estimates. Statement 3 is correct as the 2022 and 2025 allowances were merged and abolished. Statement 2 is incorrect because employees posted abroad are explicitly excluded from receiving the allowance during their foreign posting. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431195/salary-increase-notified-govt-issues-revised-bps-2026-for-civil-servants, 22 Jul 2026]
#5732
On July 22, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated which of the following events in Pakistan?
(a) Global Robotics and AI Innovation Forum 2026
(b) National Digital Transformation Summit 2026
(c) Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026
(d) Pakistan Indigenous Technology and Security Expo 2026
Explanation: The Prime Minister inaugurated the Indus RAS – Robotics and Autonomous Systems Expo 2026 on July 22, 2026. This event served as the platform for his call to establish a unified national innovation ecosystem. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#5733
Consider the following statements about the economic discussions held in July 2026: 1. The US Treasury Secretary explicitly approved the $10 billion exchange stabilisation facility during the meeting. 2. Pakistan is aiming to transition from macroeconomic stabilisation to export-led growth. 3. The US Treasury commended Pakistan's commitment to creating conditions for a return to international capital markets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the US Treasury statement did not address or approve the $10 billion request. Statements 2 and 3 accurately reflect the official positions stated during the visit. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017582/us-treasury-secretary-welcomes-pakistans-economic-reforms-return-to-capital-markets, 22 Jul 2026]
#5734
What is the primary objective of the national innovation ecosystem proposed by the Prime Minister on July 22, 2026?
(a) To increase foreign direct investment in the telecommunications sector
(b) To develop indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities
(c) To privatize all public sector research and development centers
(d) To exclusively focus on importing advanced robotics from the Global North
Explanation: The core objective is to foster indigenous knowledge and technological capabilities, ensuring that the technology is owned and continuously advanced within Pakistan rather than relying solely on imports. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#5735
Consider the following statements about the national innovation ecosystem proposed on July 22, 2026: 1. It aims to ensure that the knowledge behind robotics technology is indigenous and owned by Pakistan. 2. The initiative is intended to be confined to major cities to ensure high-tech efficiency. 3. It emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks to govern the ethics of autonomous systems. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 and 3 are correct as they reflect the Prime Minister's focus on indigenous ownership and ethical regulation. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Prime Minister explicitly stated that the revolution should not remain confined to major cities but should reach underserved communities. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431277/pm-shehbaz-calls-for-national-innovation-ecosystem-to-advance-indigenous-robotics-technology, 22 Jul 2026]
#5736
Consider the following statements about the maritime security situation on July 23, 2026: 1. The Houthis claimed that the targeted tankers had violated a naval blockade. 2. The United States Central Command reported the redirection of nine commercial vessels to prevent Iranian port access. 3. The Saudi Arabian government confirmed that the crew of the Encelia suffered multiple casualties during the attack. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are factually accurate based on the reports from the Houthis and US Central Command. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Saudi authorities explicitly stated that all crew members were safe and no casualties were reported. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]
#5737
Which of the following statements regarding the Ukrainian drone strikes on July 23, 2026, is INCORRECT?
(a) The strikes targeted logistics hubs of a major Russian online retailer
(b) The attacks were limited exclusively to sites located within the Moscow city limits
(c) Ukraine claimed the targeted sites were supplying components for the Russian military
(d) The strikes resulted in the evacuation of company logistics centers
Explanation: The strikes occurred in southern Russian cities such as Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk, not exclusively in Moscow. The other statements accurately reflect the events of July 23, 2026. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017672/ukraines-drones-hit-stores-of-russian-retail-giant, 23 Jul 2026]
#5738
Which organization reported receiving a distress call from a tanker struck by a projectile in the Red Sea on July 23, 2026?
(a) General Transport Authority (GTA)
(b) United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
(c) Saudi Arabian Coast Guard
(d) International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Explanation: The UKMTO agency confirmed receiving a report from a tanker master regarding a projectile strike that caused an onboard fire, matching the details of the attack on the Encelia. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/2017740/houthis-attack-saudi-tankers-in-red-sea-as-us-strikes-iran-for-12th-consecutive-day, 23 Jul 2026]
#5739
Consider the following statements about the diplomatic engagements of Pakistan on July 23, 2026: 1. Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. 2. The meetings were conducted on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum. 3. Pakistan and Russia agreed to reduce their engagement at multilateral forums. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct as Dar met with Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman in Manila during the ARF. Statement 3 is incorrect because the countries actually agreed to enhance, not reduce, coordination at multilateral forums. [Source: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40431322/pakistan-russia-vow-stronger-cooperation, 23 Jul 2026]
#5740
Consider the following statements about the IMF mission to Pakistan in 2026: 1. The mission successfully reached a staff-level agreement on March 11, 2026. 2. Discussions were influenced by the impact of regional conflict on Pakistan's balance of payments. 3. The mission reviewed both the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All three
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the mission failed to reach a staff-level agreement by the conclusion date. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they accurately reflect the scope of the review and the external factors influencing the economic outlook. [Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1981220/imf-mission-fails-to-reach-staff-level-agreement-with-pakistan-talks-to-continue, 12 Mar 2026]